The rules of the road are in place for a reason. Whether it be heavy-duty trucks or pedestrians crossing the streets to explore an urban landscape, respect and safety are guiding principles when hitting the pavement. As a result, it can become frustrating when there are others who do not share that same courtesy, or even awareness, for the well-being of others. On Reddit, one cyclist shared a photo of a frustrating scene after a driver's "egregious" park job on a designated bike lane.
Posted to the subreddit r/washingtondc, the photo highlights a car stopped on the side of a bustling street in the urban area, blocking what appears to be a path dedicated to the safe flow of cyclists commuting around the city.
More cities are seeking ways to use bikes as a means to cut down on traffic congestion while also improving the air quality for residents, making strides in community health and safety at the same time. Dedicated bike lanes create a solution that not only offers safety to cyclists, but they can also standardize city cyclists' behaviors.
Transportation alone contributes to more than a quarter of harmful air pollutants, which is why making the transition to bikes for commuting can significantly reduce such pollutants by up to 2,000 pounds a year.
Bike lanes are an essential part of urban planning that encourages this shift to curb annual air pollutants. Unfortunately, not all bike lanes are created equal, as there can be discrepancies in their design and safety. For example, a city planning TikToker noted that painted lines on roads often aren't enough in providing a safe space for cyclists since they lack a physical barrier against vehicle traffic.
As more communities learn about the incentives in place for urban bike riders, the more attention will be given to cyclists and their designated paths, ensuring those lanes are just as safeguarded as those for traditional vehicles.
"Seriously?" wrote one Reddit user in astonishment.
🗣️ Do you worry about air pollution in your town?
🔘 All the time 💯
🔘 Often 😢
🔘 Only sometimes 😟
🔘 Never 😎
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
"There's a lot of people like that," commented another.
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